Any Second Now ready for National

Trainer Ted Walsh believes Any Second Now will be a contender at the Grand National following a fine victory in Naas.

The eight-year-old ran very well in the Grade Three WhatOddsPaddy? Chase, finishing one-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Articulum.

It was the first win for the JP McManus-owned horse since last year’s Cheltenham Festival when he crossed the line first in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase.

After riding in the slipstream of Cadmium for most of the two-mile race, Any Second Now got ahead on the home straight and ran clear of Articulum, who started the race as the favourite.

Now, he is among the top contenders for the Grand National at Aintree in April, with Tiger Roll aiming to make history by becoming the first horse to win in three consecutive years.

However, Walsh is confident his charge can run well in the National.

He said: ‘He travelled well and jumped well, and if he runs as well as Seabass (at Aintree), I’ll be delighted.

‘He was nicely treated with 11st 1lb on his back.

The only fence he reached for was the last, and Mark was delighted with him.

‘It’s a good prep for Aintree.

Whether he’s good enough or not, only time will tell.

He’s going there in a good frame of mind and he gets the trip.

If you’re not in you can’t win! ‘He won a Grade Two hurdle at Punchestown as a novice.

He’s a classy enough horse, and the soft ground suited him as well.’

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